Save our fisheries-very important please read

[bonsaibp]

Its fine and dandy to post all these items about the state and federal governments plans to ruin our fishing on the Delta, but thats not going to change anything. What may is if the hundreds of thousands of us who fish let to powers that be know our feelings. I don't mean a hand full of emails but an organized concerted long term effort to let them know we have some power as well. Not individually but as a well organized, articulate group of voters who support an industry that is worth tens of billions of dollars or more nationwide. This is an issue that affects fisherman not just here in CA but throughout the country. We need to act as one unified group on these matters. We should try to get BASS, FLW and all their sponsors , the fishing tackle industry and anyone else who can help in a meaningful way involved. Anyone who thinks that this is just a CA problem is mistaken. We need to have our own lobby to try to get the powers that be to hear our side as well, not just the water agencies and well meaning but misguided environmentalists. We need to do so in a calm,organized professional manner. Ranting and raving won't get it done. We need to be ready to make some compromises but to stand strong as well. This isn't an issue that is going to be fixed overnight or by writing a letter or two.
We need to get our facts straight - not jump off half cocked like some of our elected officials. Making personal attacks on them is not going to help. Using our voices, our dollars and votes may. We need to devote time to educate ourselves and those who are in the position to make these decisions.
I believe that we need to start somewhere and this is as good a place as any. I for one am willing to do anything I can to further our cause.
I think we should start by organizing a small group of us to come up with a plan of action of how best to -
1. Educate ourselves and the powers that be of the true issues and what is really involved.
2. Determine what the best way would be to start to organize and get the word out to all the disparate groups that would be affected by these decisions i.e.. all fisherman, tournament organizations, boat and tackle manufactures ,etc..
3. Come up with a plan of action to begin to flex our collective muscles, and create a lobbying group to carry this message to the powers that be.
4. Determine how to carry out whatever plans we come up with
in the most effective manner.

We are already starting late so I believe it is imperative that we start
now, before its too late. I know that this is going to be an enormous undertaking , but if we don't stand up for ourselves now who knows where it'll go. First it was Casitas, now they're aiming for the Delta, how long will it be before it starts affecting other lakes?
NOW IS THE TIME TO START TO TAKE ACTION
I can be reached at 818 259-8361 or bonsaibp@earthlink.net for anyone who wants to help get the ball rolling. It is my hope that together we can do something about this.
Thank you for taking the time to read this post.

[Bill K]

How about we organize and start by sending a I.O.U. for our Federal tax's in April. We have less money than the govenment and they are issueing I.O.U. Just think no money, no work. And could the Fed's detain all those that did this? How many rooms do they have in Fed jails to hold everyone? Maybe they just keep printing money, but where is it going to get covered ? Now that just might help to save our fishery's. Bill K

[bonsaibp]

This really wasn't the type of thing I had in mind.

[stan vanderburg]

You couldn't more correct in all aspects. We are already behind on this. We need every fisherman of any type to be on the same page with this.. We will have to get a seprate web site for everybody to log into that we can get the names to the people that are fighting the battle for us already. The battle has been a looser for the Ocean fishermen in case you haven't already heard. They have closed most of northern Ca. to offshore fishing because nobody showed up to fight aginst it. The next will be the waters off of So Ca. and the areas around the Islands. Don't think that because the state hasen't got the money to enforce it, that this wont pass, because your wrong. This stuff will be paid by out side money and the special interest groups. That's why we need you to get involved now. We will have to show Sacramento the number of people that are not in approval with this action. We need all of you to check in on this. If we dont...we are toast ! They are comming after the fresh water next. You guys need to cowboy up on this for sure. Stay with this.
Stan Vanderburg

[Lugnut]

Our club supports and are members of the BBAC (Black Bass Action Committee), sounds like the same type of stuff your looking to get started.

[Mark Lassagne]

I see there are several issues that could effect our fishery. If someone can put these facts to paper in a educated and professional manner I will print it.

Mark Lassagne
www.bassanglersguide.com

[sTony]

There are a couple groups that have been working hard for several years to point out and watch dog the interests of all us, including on the Delta.

http://www.restorethedelta.org/

Also:

The California Sportfishing Alliance:

http://www.calsport.org/


Seems that now is the time to jump on board these guys efforts. Might wanna get these folks involved sooner then later.

sTony

[bonsaibp]

Them and anybody else that can help. I think that we need to figure out a way to get all these groups and others to act as one. I'm not a known figure in the fishing world, don’t fish tournaments so I don’t really know the personalities who may be able to help. What I am is a passionate fisherman who wants to do everything possible to preserve , protect and grow our sport, so any suggestion, help or comments will be more than welcome.
I know we're fighting an uphill battle but if we don't fight we'll definitely lose. Now is the time to put aside any differences and focus on what we all have in common- our love for fishing.

[rickd]

Here is another one.

http://www.water4fish.org/

[bonsaibp]

That site seems to be about protecting the salmon which is one of the reasons that are being given to remove limits on stripped bass now ,but don't think LMB will be far behind.
Any ideas on how to go about bringing all interested groups would be greatly appreciated. Its going to be a logistical nightmare but if we don't we're screwed.

[rickd]

All of the fishing org's are all about stopping the diversion of water to the south. That is what all this is about, nothing more nothing less.

[bonsaibp]

I think thats a mistaken over simplified view of things. If done in a reasonable sensible manner and with compromises on all sides the states water problems can be alleviated and sport fishing can continue and grow. Things need to change and we should have a say in what happens.

[CSPA Webmaster]

CSPA has been fighting the good fight for over 34 years. Most of that time quietly. However, as most of you notice, the assault on our fisheries has reached epic proportions.

Currently CSPA is:
1. Defending the striper by filing as an intervener in the current law suit by the Coalition for a Sustainable Delta, (in truth a bunch of water agencies). The court date is August 14th.

2. CSPA has filed a lawsuit, suing the Department of Water Resources for unreasonable and unlawful diversions from the delta in violation of both the state and federal constitutions.

3. Is currently mounting a letter campaign and will appear before the Water, Parks and Wildlife Committee to request that AB 1253 be killed.

4. Has over 40 lawsuits or administrative actions regarding point source pollution, a know killer of delta fisheries.

5. Attends most FERC hearings where flows and temperatures may threaten downstream fisheries.

6. Successfully sued the federal government to have pesticides listed as pollutants when in the water supply.

7. Defeated the Auburn Dam proposal.

I could type another five pages on things we are currently involved with to save our fisheries.

CSPA is the ONLY group actively engaged in the process of improving our fisheries both by using the "system" of hearings and administrative process AND, when that fails, by filing law suits.

When we file law suits we WIN but they are expensive. We really need the support of all anglers, whether they are bait, gear or fly fishermen.

We don't collect petitions, they are worthless. We only ask for letter campaigns when they will actually do some good such as in legislative actions. Letter campaigns are useless for administrative purposes.

Most of the things that the advocacy groups do are "feel good" things that don't impact the administrative process or the legal system. We learned that they don't work 30 years ago.

However, here's the catch, what we do costs money. Most fishermen are NOT willing to do more than the feel good but worthless things above. That's not good enough.

Currently we receive most of our support from the fly fishing community. For example, in 2009 they have paid over $30,000 to defend the striper in the suit filed by the water agencies. Our next organized support is through the California Striped Bass Association but their coffers are bare. We also receive donations from fishing clubs and individual fishermen, with memberships starting at $30 for a basic membership. We ask that those that can afford to donate more do so. We've received another $25,000 in donations from clubs and individual anglers.

CSPA is not asking people to donate until they learn something about us. We have a very extensive website, www.calsport.org that lists who we are, what our mission statement is and an active front page that changes daily with fishing and water news.

We ask you to go to our site, sign up for our weekly newsletters, and check us out. We REALLY need your help if we are to turn the situation around regarding California's fisheries.

Again, go to www.calsport.org

Sign up for the weekly newsletter

Once you're confident that your money will be well spent, donate what you can!

[bonsaibp]

Thats awesome I'll be sending in my membership.
I believe there is a need for more voices to be heard , the more the stronger we can be. If we can somehow combine all of our efforts maybe we can get something done.

[bonsaibp]

This is a reply to an email I sent out today. This is not the first time I've been told that the bass fishing community doesn't seem to want to get involved in a meaningful way. That has to change if we are going to prevail.
"Robert, I replied to a post on the site. I'm not sure if that was the one you're referring to but I hope it helps. I have to be honest. We have tried to reach the bass community but seem to be directing our efforts for the most part on deaf ears. It's painful to see these guys spending thousands of dollars on gear and boats but not willing to part with even $30 to help out their fisheries.

We absolutely KNOW from the water agency leaks and from friendly legislators that the LMB will be the next fish that will be targeted as the cause for the collapse of the salmon fishery. The water agencies will do ANYTHING to continue pumping water at rates that are killing the delta. Any issue they can raise to cloud the issue allows them to keep the pumping up while the battles continue in court."

[rickd]

sTony can we put a Sticky on top for this guy?

[CSPA Webmaster]

Rick, if a sticky, I'd like to do a rewrite. In addition, I don't want to step on any bass group's toes. Please make sure that it's something the board admin wants.

In fact, if so, it might be good if we talked before doing something.

gneuburger@yahoo.com

[rickd]

Jerry,

You want to talk to sTony, he or one of the mods listed on top of the page. I'm just a little ol forum user.

Thanks,
rickd

[Brian]

Tony or Gator, How about a sticky for this?

[Brian]

Tony or Gator, can we please sticky this?

[CSPA Webmaster]

Ok guys, I'll try to make contact tomorrow. Today has been a very busy day and I'm tuckered. I was planning to go fishing tomorrow but it looks like another day on the computer and on the phone.

Again, to keep up on what's going on, please sign up for our weekly emails. It's a self subscribe list and you can unsubscribe at any time.

We usually send out a weekly summary of what's been on our website for the week on Friday and very occassionally an action alert. I'll be sending out one on AB 1253 on Wednesday or Thursday.

To sign up just use the box about 2/3 down the left side of the front page, http://www.calsport.org

Right now I'm trying to line up groups to speak before the assembly committee on the 30th and need to get a letter writing campaign going as well. If anyone knows of any fishing groups where a spokesman would be willing to appear before the Water, Parks and Wildlife Committee of the State Assembly on March 30th let me know. I can give some instructions and assistance.

[Brian]

Jerry,
Thank you. I'm now on the mailing list.

[waynegro]

You're right, we need to organize, mobilize, prioritze, and scrutinize. I've been working on a survery to try and pass out amongst forums - not geo specific at all.

I'm on board, I'll send you what I have once its built.

[CSPA Webmaster]

We've been in contact with our connections at the assembly. According to our sources, the bill will not be heard in committee until April 14th at the earliest. The posted date of the 30th is in error.

That means CSPA has the time to:
1. Organize a fierce letter writing campaign (I should have that out by this weekend including sample letters, who to write, addresses, phone numbers and e-mail addresses.
2. Concentrate our efforts on who we believe to be swing votes in the committee. We will identify those people when the letter campaign document is circulated.
3. Arrange for some expert testimony as to the fact that the striper is not a significant predator of either delta smelt or chinook salmon. We have three experts we're in touch with. We will have to solicit funds to pay for their costs.
4. Arrange for our own (CSPA) and other organizations testimony, both written and oral. (Again, because this is an ongoing thing, we need to be funded to do this, otherwise we'd be on the dole since so much work time is lost.)
5. Encourage the general angling public to attend the committee meeting. We encourage those that belong to organizations such as CSPA and CSBA or other fishing groups to wear their hats, shirts, jackets.
6. Provide guidelines on the procedures for people addressing the committee. We want to PACK the committee room!

It is important that we kill this bill in committee. If it gets to the floor the effort becomes much more massive and costly. Because of the current make up of the Water, Parks and Wildlife Committee, this is NOT a slam dunk deal!

Again, stay tuned in.

Sign up for the CSPA weekly newsletter, action alerts and advisories by logging on to http://www.calsport.org and entering your e-mail address in the self enrollment box. You manage your own account and you can unenroll at any time.

Check in at the CSPA website for mid-week news where an advisory or alert is not warranted. http://www.calsport.org

Consider becoming a member of CSPA. Memberships start at $30. Membership information can be found at http://www.calsport.org/howto.htm

[jwolff]

I'm glad to see some serious posts about these issues and certainly education and unified action are important.

As some of you know, I produce Angler West TV & Pure Bass (I was the original producer of True Bass as well) and have tried to address certain issues over the years but I think that the shows have a much greater potential to benefit the "cause" so to speak than is currently being realized.

I've talked to several conservation type organizations about using the show for educational purposes and have even offered free airtime but have yet to see any organization take any serious initiative to follow through with any plans.

The show is watched by many tens of thousands of people several times per week in CA, NV, OR, and WA and across the US on Dish Network and DirectTV and I would like to see the show be more educational. So...if anyone has any ideas, I'd like to talk to you.

Justin Wolff
Angler West TV
530-510-0514
jwolff@anglerwest.com
www.anglerwesttv.com

[CSPA Webmaster]

Justin, I've sent you a private E-mail.

In short for the board, name the time and place and I'll be there.

[badbass25]

I'm down for a rally or whatever is needed to be done. Just Give the Date and Time and I will tell everyone I know to get involved!

I don't have any money to put in, but I can be a person to stand in somewhere and be a voice and opinion where ever I am needed! Just let me Know what I can Do. I can and will make phone calls, emails, write letters, or whatever needs to be done and I am capable of doing. Just point me in the right direction.

I can't loose this sport! It the the only thing is this world that keeps me sane! I want my kids to have the opportunity to participate in this sport just as I did.

Wesley Jones
badbass25@hotmail.com

[CSPA Webmaster]

Wesley, what we need now is letters and plenty of them. Please write and have all your friends write. If you're going to a club meeting have the people in the club write.

Here's the connection to the instructions for letter writing:

http://www.calsport.org/cspa3-18-09a.htm

[badbass25]

As suggested on another website... Are there any flyers that we could be handing/posting at tackle shops and other places? I could help make it, but not too sure as to what should be put on it.

[CSPA Webmaster]

I've got something I can turn into a flyer, I'll work with it and then print the link.

Thanks for the suggestion, it's something I'll remember to do in the future as well.

[badbass25]

I know places like the Bass Pro in Manteca would be one of the best places to inform people on this. Bass Pro and all of our local tackle shops could lose all sorts of money if this was to pass. I know that the placement of the new Bass Pro Shops had lots to do with its location near the california delta. Has anyone emailed the Management of Bass Pro both local and corporate? What about BASS (Bass anglers sportsman society) They are supposed to be coming out here next year. What about FLW, they are here currently? I bet it wouldn't hurt to get Cabelas involved also. Boat Manufacturers? The Tackle Industry? Anyone and everyone that would stand to loose from this needs to be contacted. I would do it, but I am not sure on how to go about doing so, plus I have no pull. Maybe those that have contacts with big name pros, especially someone like Skeet Reese, who just won the Bassmaster Classic, and probably could help with all of the media exposure he is getting. I am just fired up and trying to do all that I can. I don't have many contacts in the fishing world otherwise I would be on the phone and sending emails all day.

[Otay Michael]

I don't fish tournaments too much but I think if just 1% was taken off the top to support these organizations (or the top one that would be an umbrella organization for such) would help stop this anti-fishing frenzy that is starting. Lets nip it in the bud, Bud!

Also, don't you think the local hotels and motels would be effected if fishermen no longer went to the Delta from all over the state/country? Don't you think they would not mind donating just 1% of revenue if we mention 'fishermen' when we check in to these organizations? I bet they would jump at it. Also, restaurants, gas stations, FISHING GUIDES, you name it, they all would get hurt, more than they know I bet. Let's get off the dime.

PS Jerry-CSPA Webmaster, thank you for your service.

[bassman1975]

Not tring to be negative but it's not working. We talk about it a lot but nothing being done. We sit here on this fourm and read about it and write about it like I am but nothing getting down. It's been over a year. It's that everyone is affraid and don't know how to approch it. Submitting thousands of signatures and letter will do nothing we have to take it higher. This is not about this muscle anymore it's about money lost from the cutbacks. Read my article on this fourm. We need to take it higher and I mean the courts they don't want a lawsuit because they don't have any money. This is what it may take. We pay for our fishing Lic, our Reg. on the boats and they make it to hard to launch a boat this is robbery and they know this because the THINK no one will fight it at a higher level they know people will write letters and sign a patition not a big deal to them they already have your money. Please read my message topic "it's time to fight" posted Apr. 9 under Bass fishing fourm. Thanks.